Noel Gallagher: exclusive interview

"We work to live, we don't live to work"

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The Oasis main man roars back on Dig Out Your Soul

Since their debut in 1994, Oasis have dominated the British music scene in ways that recall the glory days of The Beatles.

Which Noel Gallagher, the band's chief architect, main songwriter, guitarist and sometime lead vocalist, would inevitably say was the plan all along. When he joined the Manchester group in 1991, then led by his lead singer brother Liam, he made it clear that he would do so only if they played his songs and did things his way. So far, things haven't turned out half-bad.

With over 50 million record sales worldwide, eight UK number one singles, a boatload of awards and a history of sell-out tours, the Gallagher brothers have made good on what Noel once described as his primary goal: world dominance.

Noel's reputation for his outspoken views on everything from fashion to politics to rival bands (as well as his sometimes hilarious rows with brother Liam), sometimes eclipses his remarkable talent for crafting striking rock 'n' roll songs, best displayed on beloved Oasis albums such as Definitely Maybe and (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

Dig Out Your Soul, the group's seventh's studio album (due October 6 in the UK, October 7 in the US), is a fascinating growth step for Oasis. While Noel's riveting and surrealistic compositions remain the backbone of the record, Liam is quickly blossoming as a songwriting equal. Guitarist Gem Archer and bassist Andy Bell make their marks as well.

Having recently kicked off what is to be mammoth 18-month world tour in Seattle (with drummer Chris Sharrock assuming the spot once held by Zak Starkey), Noel Gallagher sat down for an exclusive conversation with MusicRadar and Guitar World magazine. The following excerpt finds Gallagher holding forth in a gentlemanly mode - a far cry from his grandiose rants of yesteryear. Howeverbe warned – some of Noel's comments are a touch on the rude side so the more delicate of you look away now.To read the entire interview, be sure to pick up the January 2009 issue of Guitar World.